Home Jobs Research Associate in Development of Novel Two-Dimensional Materials and Devices for Quantum Technologies
Back to Jobs

Research Associate in Development of Novel Two-Dimensional Materials and Devices for Quantum Technologies - Job Opportunity at Heriot Watt University

Edinburgh, United Kingdom
Full-time
Mid-level
Posted: May 26, 2025
On-site
GBP 37,174 - 46,735 per year

Benefits

Comprehensive annual leave package with 33 days plus 9 building closure days providing exceptional work-life balance exceeding UK market standards
Enhanced holiday entitlement including Christmas Eve when falling on weekdays demonstrating institutional consideration for employee well-being
Access to world-class research facilities including cleanroom fabrication capabilities and cryogenic quantum optics laboratories
Professional development opportunities through ERC Advanced Grant participation and international collaboration networks
Flexible working arrangements including part-time and job-share options supporting diverse career needs
Comprehensive total rewards package with university benefits calculator transparency

Key Responsibilities

Lead cutting-edge spectroscopic and structural characterization of novel 2D materials at both ambient and cryogenic conditions, positioning the institution at the forefront of quantum materials research
Drive autonomous assembly protocol development for 2D heterostructures, contributing to revolutionary fabrication methodologies that will define next-generation quantum device manufacturing
Spearhead funding proposal development to expand research capabilities, directly influencing the strategic growth and competitive positioning of the quantum photonics program
Mentor and develop next-generation quantum researchers through PhD and master student supervision, building institutional knowledge and research capacity
Execute high-impact research within ERC Advanced Grant framework, ensuring milestone achievement and deliverable completion that maintains European research competitiveness
Foster collaborative partnerships across academic and industrial networks, establishing critical relationships that drive innovation and technology transfer in quantum applications
Disseminate breakthrough research findings through high-impact publications and international conferences, enhancing institutional reputation and research visibility
Engage in public outreach activities that translate complex quantum research into accessible knowledge, supporting institutional mission and societal impact goals

Requirements

Education

A good first degree and doctorate in physics or a related discipline. Candidates must have submitted their doctoral thesis before starting in post.

Experience

Strong experimental background in optical spectroscopy of 2D materials, quantum optics or photonics, solid state physics, and cryogenics with appropriate publication record for career stage

Required Skills

optical spectroscopy of 2D materials quantum optics photonics solid state physics cryogenics control and measurement of quantum systems programming for data acquisition and analysis scientific paper writing public presentation of scientific results team collaboration diversity, equity, and inclusion principles
Advertisement
Ad Space

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Industry Trends

Quantum computing and quantum technologies represent one of the fastest-growing sectors in advanced technology, with global investments exceeding $25 billion annually and major corporations like IBM, Google, and Microsoft heavily investing in quantum research infrastructure. The field is experiencing unprecedented growth as governments worldwide recognize quantum technologies as critical for national security and economic competitiveness. Two-dimensional materials beyond graphene are emerging as the next frontier in materials science, with applications spanning quantum computing, energy storage, and advanced electronics. Recent breakthroughs in van der Waals heterostructures and twisted bilayer systems have opened new possibilities for engineering quantum properties at the atomic scale. The European Union's Quantum Flagship program and similar initiatives globally are driving massive funding into quantum research, creating substantial demand for skilled researchers in quantum photonics and 2D materials. The UK's National Quantum Strategy has committed over £1 billion to quantum technology development, positioning institutions like Heriot-Watt at the center of this technological revolution.

Salary Evaluation

The offered salary range of £37,174-£46,735 is competitive for a postdoctoral research position in the UK academic sector, particularly considering the specialized nature of quantum technologies research. This compensation aligns well with UKRI fellowship rates and reflects the premium placed on quantum expertise in the current market.

Role Significance

The role involves working within a well-established 25-member Quantum Photonics Laboratory with 5 academic staff members, providing access to diverse expertise while offering opportunities to lead specialized research teams of 3-5 researchers focused on 2D materials applications.
This role represents a senior postdoctoral position with significant research leadership responsibilities, including project management within an ERC Advanced Grant framework and supervision of graduate students. The position offers substantial autonomy and research direction authority, positioning the candidate for future academic leadership roles.

Key Projects

Development of novel quantum memory systems using 2D materials as host platforms for quantum information storage Engineering single photon detectors based on 2D heterostructures for quantum communication applications Autonomous assembly protocols for high-quality 2D quantum devices using robotic fabrication systems Characterization of quantum properties in van der Waals materials at millikelvin temperatures

Success Factors

Deep understanding of quantum mechanics and solid-state physics principles combined with hands-on experimental expertise in cryogenic systems and optical spectroscopy techniques Strong programming and data analysis capabilities essential for managing complex experimental datasets and developing automated measurement protocols Excellent communication and collaboration skills necessary for working effectively within large research teams and maintaining productive relationships with international partners Innovative thinking and problem-solving abilities required to address fundamental challenges in quantum materials engineering and device fabrication Project management expertise crucial for delivering results within ERC grant timelines and coordinating multiple research workstreams simultaneously

Market Demand

Extremely high demand exists for researchers with expertise in 2D materials and quantum technologies, as this represents a critical skills shortage area identified by major technology companies and government agencies. The specialized combination of experimental quantum optics and 2D materials characterization makes candidates highly sought after across academia and industry.

Important Skills

Critical Skills

Optical spectroscopy expertise is absolutely essential as it forms the primary tool for characterizing quantum properties in 2D materials, requiring deep understanding of light-matter interactions and sophisticated measurement techniques Cryogenic systems knowledge is critical for accessing quantum regimes where many interesting phenomena occur, demanding both technical expertise in low-temperature physics and practical skills in complex experimental setups Programming and data analysis capabilities are increasingly vital in modern quantum research, where large datasets and automated measurement systems require sophisticated computational approaches for meaningful interpretation Collaborative skills are essential given the highly interdisciplinary nature of quantum technologies research, requiring effective communication across physics, engineering, and materials science domains

Beneficial Skills

Machine learning and artificial intelligence skills are becoming increasingly valuable for analyzing complex quantum datasets and optimizing experimental parameters in automated systems Nanofabrication and cleanroom experience provides significant advantages for device development and understanding practical constraints in quantum device engineering Grant writing and project management experience enhances career prospects in academic and industrial research environments where funding acquisition is increasingly competitive International collaboration experience is highly beneficial given the global nature of quantum research and the importance of maintaining connections with leading international groups

Unique Aspects

This position offers rare access to both theoretical quantum physics research and practical device fabrication through state-of-the-art cleanroom facilities, providing comprehensive training in the full quantum technology development pipeline
The ERC Advanced Grant framework provides exceptional funding stability and research freedom, allowing for high-risk, high-reward research approaches that are often not possible under standard funding mechanisms
The autonomous assembly aspect of the research represents cutting-edge robotics integration with quantum materials science, positioning the researcher at the intersection of multiple rapidly advancing technological fields
The combination of room temperature and cryogenic characterization capabilities offers unique opportunities to study quantum phenomena across temperature regimes, providing comprehensive understanding of material properties

Career Growth

Career progression to independent research positions typically occurs within 2-4 years post-PhD completion, with this role providing essential leadership experience and publication record necessary for competitive fellowship applications and faculty positions.

Potential Next Roles

Independent Research Fellow positions at leading universities focusing on quantum technologies and materials science Industry research scientist roles at quantum computing companies such as IBM Quantum, Rigetti, or emerging quantum startups Academic lecturer or assistant professor positions with specialization in quantum photonics and 2D materials Principal investigator roles leading major research grants in quantum technologies and materials physics

Company Overview

Heriot Watt University

Heriot-Watt University stands as one of the UK's leading technical universities with a strong international presence and campuses across multiple continents. The institution has established itself as a premier destination for engineering and physical sciences research, with particular strength in photonics and quantum technologies that has earned global recognition.

The university ranks among the top UK institutions for physics and engineering research, with the Quantum Photonics Laboratory recognized as a world-leading center for quantum materials research. Recent REF results demonstrate exceptional research quality, positioning Heriot-Watt competitively against institutions like Imperial College London and University of Cambridge in quantum sciences.
Edinburgh's position as a major European technology hub, combined with Scotland's significant investment in quantum technologies through the Scottish Government's quantum strategy, provides an ideal environment for quantum research. The city hosts numerous technology companies and research institutions, creating valuable collaboration opportunities and career pathways.
The university emphasizes collaborative research environments with strong international connections, offering researchers access to global networks and cutting-edge facilities. The institution's commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion, along with flexible working arrangements, reflects modern academic workplace practices that support researcher well-being and productivity.
Advertisement
Ad Space
Apply Now

Data Sources & Analysis Information

Job Listings Data

The job listings displayed on this platform are sourced through BrightData's comprehensive API, ensuring up-to-date and accurate job market information.

Sauge AI Market Intelligence

Our advanced AI system analyzes each job listing to provide valuable insights including:

  • Industry trends and market dynamics
  • Salary estimates and market demand analysis
  • Role significance and career growth potential
  • Critical success factors and key skills
  • Unique aspects of each position

This integration of reliable job data with AI-powered analysis helps provide you with comprehensive insights for making informed career decisions.